The History of Mamasa About the Island

The History of Mamasa

The name Mamasa comes from a derivate of its official name Purumamasa, meaning dry island in the Tutuba and Malo dialect. Legend has it that there was a natural spring on the island bubbling up through a rock. After sourcing water, the Ni-Vanuatu would place a rock over the top of the spring in order to keep it flowing. One day there were a group of young Pikinni’s who had paddled across and spent the day playing on Mamasa. They were regularly drinking from the spring but had forgot to place the rock back after leaving which is thought to have dried-up the natural water. Not to worry though, there are 5 large water tanks, three under the house and two in the gardens, which captures the pristine water off the vast roof and put through a three stage filtration system which means you will never have to worry about the quantity or quality of the water.

As a virgin uninhabited island Mamasa was a favoured picnic and camping island to the Ni-Vanuatu and expats because of its natural beauty, large magnificent trees and untouched reef. American soldiers often visited the island on R & R from their base in Espiritu Santo during World War 2. To this day its colloquially known as ‘Turtle Island’ because of its turtle shape and the extensive nesting of loggerhead and green turtles that occur during the nesting season. As many as twelve nests can be on the island at any one time.

About the Island Mamasa island has 706 metres of water frontage with a sugary white sand beach surrounded by an untouched reef. Dugongs, Turtles and schools of fish are regularly seen breaching the surface of the turquoise water particularly at sunrise and sunset. Numerous Palapa’s (thatched umbrellas with day beds underneath) are dotted around the pristine island ensuring there is always a perfect location to laze away the day. Extensive established tropical gardens cover the fertile island and are interwoven with tropical fruit plants such as banana, paw paw, coconut and pineapple which you are more than welcome to help yourself to during your stay.

There is a private jetty ensuring you arrive in style and allow easy access for transfers off the island if you wish to be picked up and taken to the many wonderful dive sites, pristine beaches or resorts close by. Or, if you’re on a romantic getaway what could be more quintessential than dining at the end of your own private jetty on your own private island. Catering and a personal chef can be arranged if you wish, just ask your villa manager.

In the centre of the island is a thatched covered BBQ area we refer to as the Nakamal. Nakamal is a term the Ni-Vanuatu use to describe the meeting place of the village where things are discussed, and Kava is drunk. It’s a perfect location to cook up the world- renowned Santo Beef whilst discussing the day’s activities and planning your adventures for the following day. In front of the Nakamal is a perfect spot for a game of island Bocci.

The western part of the island has an outdoor dining table that is positioned to take advantage of the magnificent sunsets. The sun perfectly sets between Malo and Santo and disappears into the south Pacific Ocean.

Mamasa Island is located 15km by boat from central Luganville. Luganville is the provincial centre of the Sanma Province and second largest town in Vanuatu located on the island of Espritu Santo, the largest island of the Vanuatu archipelago.

Mamasa is positioned just 700 metres from Aore island, to the south. Further to the south is Malo island 1.6km away.

About the House

Mamasa boasts one of the most beautiful and well-appointed houses in Vanuatu. The stunning deck that surrounds the entire house provides seamless inside/outside living with ocean views from everywhere you look. The beautiful wooden doors and windows and elevated timber ceilings give this already large home a spacious and luxurious feel.

There are three stunning large bedroom suits, all with private bathrooms, complete with baths and gorgeous outdoor showers. Each bedroom suite is appointed with a romantic four posted king bed that will have you waking up completely rested to be greeted with the most glorious views you will ever see.

For those with children, or a few extra friends, there is a fourth bedroom with two, four poster single beds.

There is a modern kitchen for those keen to cook themselves, or for your own private chef to whip you up delectable meals from the freshest produce money can buy. Or, if you prefer, outside in the ‘Nukamal” is the perfect place to have a few drinks while cooking up a delicious seafood BBQ on the Webber.

Nothing can prepare you for your first night on the island. The absence of man-made ambient sound and light can be overwhelming. As you glance upwards towards the night sky you will be awed by how close the stars appear, as if you could reach out and pluck them form the night sky. Whatever suite you are located in all you will hear is the lapping of waves against the shore.

Words cannot describe the experience of staying at the stunning Mamasa Island. To have entire island to yourself is a remarkable experience but to be surrounded by such luxury and natural beauty is unforgettable. Mamasa will get into your heart and soul and have you wanting to come back before you have even left.